Casey Corbin
Cold weather may be upon us, but it won’t stop Casey Corbin from bicycling or walking for his transportation needs. “After 15 years in Alaska, I don’t think Columbia has bad weather days,” he explained. “I have never been one to worry about getting wet or being a little cold. If you just work a little harder then you will warm right up.” Corbin said he walks or bikes every single day and averages 30-40 miles of walking per week. “I used to hike mountains at minus 35 degrees in blinding snow and as long as you keep moving you stay warm,” he said. “It sure beats sitting in traffic!”
Corbin is the Executive Director for Sustainable Farms and Communities, Inc. He is currently managing the $2.5 million capital campaign to build the Columbia Farmer’s Market Pavilion and Education Center. He has lived in eight states and is impressed by the active community we have in Columbia. “Since I came to Columbia, I have walked and biked more and more. This is one of the best places I have ever lived in for active transportation.
Columbia has done a great job in creating a safe environment for biking and walking,” he explained. “I want to personally thank Mayor Hindman and the city council for all of the work they have obviously done to make this such a great city to walk and bike in. As a newcomer, this has been a key aspect in making me feel like I have chosen a good place to live.”
An avid hiker and biker his whole life, Corbin was known for 20-30 mile mountain hikes and 100 mile bike rides. That all changed when a bad accident tore up his knee. “I was immobile for months, and I am still working on getting back into shape,” he said. “The walking and biking is slowly but surely getting me back to where I want to be.”
One way he is getting back into shape is by organizing and taking part in group walks. Corbin is the co–sponsor of the Columbia Walking and Hiking Club, which has nearly 100 members. They have held coordinated walks every week for more than 10 months now. One recent walk was 19 miles from McBaine to Rocheport and back. “We have short and long walks in town and hikes at remote parks as well. We would love to have more Columbians join us and keep active this winter,” he said. The group is planning to take part in other activities, such as biking, volleyball, and tennis as well. People can join the group by going to www.meetup.com/Columbia-Walking-And-Hiking-Club.
As if all of this wasn’t enough, Corbin is a nature, portrait and wedding photographer as well as a writer. “That takes up most of my free time, but in general, as long as I can be outdoors I am happy.”
His advice to others who want to start an active lifestyle is to just get out there and do it. “Don’t make excuses just make the time! Even if you are new to it, just try short distances at first,” he explained. “It will grow on you.”
To learn more about Casey Corbin visit www.caseyrcorbin.com
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